User configurable electric power distribution apparatus

ABSTRACT

Various implementations and configurations of a user configurable electric power distribution apparatus are possible and may comprise: an electrical input unit comprising an electrical plug, wherein the input unit may be pluggable into an existing electrical outlet and may conceal the electrical outlet; an electrical output unit comprising one or more electrical receptacles, wherein the output unit and the input unit are not conjoined, the output unit can be located on a surface when the input unit is plugged into an electrical outlet, and the output unit can be separated by a distance from the input unit; an electrical interconnect, which may be modular, attached to both the input unit and the output unit, wherein electrical power received by the electrical plug may be available at an electrical receptacle comprised by the output unit; an optional ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI); and an optional one or more USB power ports.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to electrical apparatus for distributingelectrical power and more particularly relates to a user configurableelectric power distribution apparatus.

SUMMARY

Various implementations of a user configurable electric powerdistribution apparatus (electrical apparatus) are disclosed. Anelectrical apparatus of the present disclosure may comprise anelectrical input unit (input unit) comprising an electrical plug,wherein the input unit may be pluggable into an existing electricaloutlet. In some implementations, the input unit may conceal theelectrical outlet when plugged therein. An electrical apparatus maycomprise an electrical output unit (output unit) comprising one or moreelectrical receptacles, wherein: the output unit and the input unit arenot conjoined; the output unit can be located on a surface when theinput unit is plugged into an electrical outlet; and the output unit canbe separated by a distance from the input unit. An electrical apparatusmay comprise an electrical interconnect attached to both the input unitand the output unit, wherein electrical power received by the electricalplug may be available at an electrical receptacle comprised by theoutput unit via an electrical circuit comprising at least portions ofthe electrical plug, at least portions of the electrical interconnectand at least portions of the electrical receptacle.

In some implementations, an electrical circuit of the electricalapparatus may comprise a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). A GFCImay be configured to interrupt availability of electrical power at anelectrical receptacle comprised by an output unit upon an occurrence ofa ground fault condition resulting in or affecting an electrical currentflowing into an electrical plug of an input unit. An electrical circuitwhich may electrically connect an electrical plug of an input unit andan electrical receptacle of an output unit may comprise an input circuitportion (input circuit), including electrical conductors and electricalcomponents of the electrical circuit which may reside between theelectrical plug and a GCFI. An electrical circuit which may electricallyconnect an electrical plug of an input unit and an electrical receptacleof an output unit may comprise an output circuit portion (outputcircuit), including electrical conductors and electrical components ofthe electrical circuit which may reside between a GFCI and theelectrical receptacle, and include electrical conductors and electricalcomponents of the electrical receptacle. Upon an occurrence of a groundfault condition, electrical power available at the electrical plug maybe unavailable to the output circuit, as electrical power may beinterrupted by the GFCI.

In some implementations, a GFCI may be comprised by an input unit, andcan thereby interrupt an availability of electrical power, for exampleby opening a GFCI switch, to an output circuit which may compriseelectrical conductors and components of an electrical interconnect andelectrical conductors and components of an output unit includingelectrical conductors and components of an electrical receptacletherein. In some implementations, an input unit may comprise a GFCI testfeature, such as a user depressible button and associated circuitrywhich may simulate and/or create a ground fault, and a GFCI resetfeature, such as a user depressible button which closes a GFCI switchwhich may have been opened upon a ground fault condition, actual orsimulated and/or created by testing, such as by depressing a testbutton. In some implementations, an input unit may comprise a visualindicator configured to indicate a status of electrical power which maybe available at an electrical plug of the input unit and/or at anelectrical receptacle(s) an output unit, such as for example, a lightemitting diode (LED), wherein by way of an example implementation, noemitted light/color may indicate no power available at the electricalplug of the input unit, a red emitted light/color may indicate an openGFCI switch which may have resulted from an occurrence of a ground faultcondition and results in no power being available to an output circuitconnected to the input unit, and a green emitted light/color mayindicate that power may be available at the electrical plug of an inputunit, a GFCI switch may be closed and power may be available at theelectrical receptacle(s) of the output unit.

In some implementations, an output unit may be configured to be attachedto a surface, such as a surface of a wall. In some implementations, anoutput unit may configured to be attached to a surface, such as asurface of a wall, via a mounting plate, wherein a mounting plate may beattached to the surface, and the output unit may be attached, such asremovably attached, to the mounting plate. In some implementations, anoutput unit may be attachable/removable to/from a mounting plate withoutthe use of tools. In some implementations, an attachment of anelectrical apparatus to a surface, such as a wall surface, may notrequire a breaching of the surface, such as a creation of a hole in awall. For example, a mounting plate may be attached to a wall surfaceusing two-sided adhesive strips, such as a 3M Command™ Strips marketedby 3M Corporation. In some implementations, a user may configure anelectrical apparatus to relocate availability of an existing power tap,such as an existing electrical outlet, to a location other than theexisting outlet and within a physical constraint of an input unit and anoutput unit interconnected by an electrical interconnect of theelectrical apparatus, wherein the availability of power is relocated toa power tap, such as an electrical receptacle, comprised by the outputunit of the electrical apparatus, and the electrical apparatus comprisesan input unit plugged into the existing outlet.

In some implementations, an output unit may comprise circuitry toconvert a portion of electrical power from an alternating current (AC)to a direct current (DC) for delivery via a Universal Serial Bus (USB)power port, such as, a USB port which may provide a 5 volt DC powersupply to a device connect thereto, such as for example, a smartphoneconnected via a USB cable for charging a battery therein. In someimplementations, an output unit may comprise a visual indicator,indicating a status of electrical power available at an electricalreceptacle and/or a USB power port comprised the output unit. In someimplementations, a visual indicator may be comprised by an output unitand may indicate a status of a GFCI comprised by an input unit. In anexample implementation, an LED indicator comprised by an output unit maybe controlled via a circuit comprised by an input unit comprising aGFCI, wherein the control may be extended from the input unit to theoutput unit, for example, via electrical conductor(s) comprised by theelectrical interconnect.

In some implementations, an electrical apparatus may comprise anelectrical interconnect which may be a modular interconnect, such thatthe modular interconnect may comprise at least one interconnect moduleand a plurality of modular interconnections, such that the modularinterconnections can be connected, disconnected and reconnected. In someimplementations, modular interconnections can be connect, disconnectedand reconnected without the use of tools. In some implementations amodular interconnect may comprise a straight interconnect module. Insome implementations a modular interconnect may comprise an angledinterconnect module. In some implementations, a modular interconnect maycomprise one or more straight interconnect modules and one or moreangled interconnect modules. In some implementations, a modularinterconnection may comprise a lock, wherein the lock locks aninterconnect plug to an interconnect socket. In some implementations, alock is releasable by actuating a lock release and an interconnect plugwhich is locked to an interconnect socket can be disconnected from theinterconnect socket when the lock release is actuated.

In some implementations, interconnect modules of a modular interconnectmay comprise an interconnect socket and an interconnect plug, an inputunit may comprise an interconnect socket, and an output unit maycomprise an interconnect plug, wherein each interconnect plug may beconnected to an interconnect socket and thereby complete an electricalcircuit between an electrical plug of an input unit and an electricalreceptacle of an output unit. In some implementations, an electricalapparatus comprises interconnect plugs comprising pins and interconnectsockets comprising pin sockets housed within electrically insulatingmaterial and accessible only by objects comprising small geometries,such as geometries identifiable as “pin shaped”, wherein theinterconnect sockets comprise a shroud for receiving an interconnectplug, and pins thereof may not be concurrently electrically energized bycontact with a pin socket of an interconnect socket and be exposedoutside of an interconnect plug covered shroud of the interconnectsocket, such that a safe management of electrical power distribution maybe maintained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosed subject matter, are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings also illustrateimplementations of the disclosed subject matter and together with thedetailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosedsubject matter.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example implementation of anelectrical apparatus located on a surface, such as a wall surface.

FIG. 1B depicts the example implementation of FIG. 1A, wherein theelectrical apparatus is separated from the surface to provide a view ofan electrical outlet and a mounting plate.

FIG. 1C depicts the example implementation of FIG. 1B, wherein theelectrical apparatus is rotated to provide a rear view of the apparatus.

FIG. 2A is a perspective rear view of an example implementation of aninput unit with back plate screws and a back plate removed to provide aview of an assembly of the input unit.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the assembly of the input unit of FIG.2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example implementation of an outputunit, wherein front assembly screws are removed and a front assembly isrotated to provide a rear view of the front assembly.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a lower portion of an output unithousing of the example implementation of FIG. 3A, wherein an output unitstrain relief and electrical interconnect are removed.

FIG. 3C is an exploded rear view of the front assembly of the exampleimplementation of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a rear perspective view of a ground busbar, neutral busbarand hot busbar.

FIG. 3E illustrates an example implementation of a ground prong socket,such as ground prong sockets comprised by the ground busbar of FIG. 3D,wherein the ground prong socket is depicted in four views, namely a topview, a front (prong entry side) view, a right side view and aperspective view.

FIG. 3F illustrates an example implementation of a blade prong socket,such as neutral prong sockets and hot prong sockets comprised by theneutral busbar and hot busbar of FIG. 3D, wherein the blade prong socketis depicted in four views, namely a top view, a front (prong entry side)view, a right side view and a perspective view.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a modularelectrical apparatus located on a surface, such as a wall surface.

FIG. 4B depicts the example implementation of FIG. 4A, wherein themodular electrical apparatus is separated from the surface to provide aview of an electrical outlet and a mounting plate.

FIG. 4C depicts the example implementation of FIG. 4B, wherein themodular electrical apparatus is rotated to provide a rear view of theapparatus.

FIG. 5A is a perspective rear view of an example implementation of amodular input unit with a straight interconnect module connectedthereto.

FIG. 5B is a perspective rear view of the example implementation of FIG.5A with the straight interconnect module, back plate screws and a backplate removed to provide a view of an assembly of the modular inputunit.

FIG. 5C is an exploded view of the assembly of the modular input unit ofFIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a modularoutput unit and a straight interconnect module, wherein the straightinterconnect module and front assembly screws are removed and a frontassembly is rotated to provide a rear view of the front assembly.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an interconnect plug frame, aninterconnect jumper tray, an output ground jumper, an output neutraljumper and an output hot jumper, wherein interconnect plug frame isremoved therefrom and rotated providing a view from a reverse side fromthe view depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective rear view of an example implementation of afront assembly of a modular output unit comprising a circuit board, USBpower ports and an indicator.

FIG. 6D is a perspective front view of the circuit board of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6E is an exploded rear view of the front assembly of the exampleimplementation of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a straightinterconnect module.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view the example implementation of FIG. 7A,wherein an outer sleeve is not be assembled to an inner assembly.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the inner assembly of FIG. 7B partiallyunassembled, wherein a front housing is not assembled to a subassembly.

FIG. 7D depicts an exploded view of the subassembly of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example implementation of an angledinterconnect module.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view the example implementation of FIG. 8A,wherein an outer housing is not be assembled to an inner assembly.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the inner assembly of FIG. 8B partiallyunassembled, wherein a front housing is not assembled to a subassembly.

FIG. 8D depicts an exploded view of the subassembly of FIG. 8C.

FIG. 8E is an exploded view of the example implementation of the angledinterconnect module of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an implementation of an interconnectmodule which may comprise a flexible cable.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the interconnect module of FIG. 9Awherein an interconnect socket outer housing and an interconnect plugouter housing may be removed.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a mounting plate configured to receivean interconnect socket of a first interconnection module mated with aninterconnect plug of a second interconnection module.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of two interconnected flexibleinterconnect modules comprising a modular interconnection of aninterconnect plug of one interconnect module and an interconnect socketof the other interconnect module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various detailed example implementations of a user configurable electricpower distribution apparatus are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed implementations are merely illustrativeand may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examplesgiven in connection with the various implementations is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive.

The following detailed example implementations refer to the accompanyingdrawings. The same reference number may appear in multiple drawings andwhen appearing in multiple drawings will identify the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an example implementation of auser configurable electric power distribution apparatus (electricalapparatus) 100. Electrical apparatus 100 may comprise an electricaloutput unit (output unit) 200, an electrical input unit (input unit) 400and an electrical interconnect 300 which may electrically interconnectoutput unit 200 with input unit 400. In the example implementation ofFIG. 1A, output unit 200 may be located on a surface 110, such as a wallsurface, and may comprise an output unit housing 202 and a frontassembly 204 a which may be secured to output housing 202 with one ormore fasteners, such as with screws 206. Front assembly 204 a maycomprise two electrical receptacles, e.g., an upper electricalreceptacle 222 a and a lower electrical receptacle 222 b. Upperelectrical receptacle 222 a may comprise an upper ground socket 224 a,an upper neutral socket 226 a and an upper hot socket 228 a. Lowerelectrical receptacle 222 b may comprise a lower ground socket 224 b, alower neutral socket 226 b and a lower hot socket 228 b. Animplementation of an electrical apparatus may have other numbers ofelectrical receptacles, such as for example, one, three, four, or moreelectrical receptacles.

Input unit 400 may be attached to an existing electrical outlet (notvisible in FIG. 1A) located on surface 110 such that electrical powermay be supplied to input unit 400 and be distributed by electricalinterconnect 300 to electrical receptacles 222 a and 222 b of outputunit 200. In some implementations, an electrical circuit of electricalapparatus 100 may comprise a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). AGFCI may be configured to interrupt availability of electrical power atelectrical receptacles 222 a and 222 b of output unit 200 upon anoccurrence of a ground fault condition resulting in or affecting anelectrical current flowing into input unit 400. In some implementations,a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) may be comprised by outputunit 200. In some implementations, a GFCI may be comprised by input unit400, wherein the GFCI may interrupt an electrical path betweenelectrical power supplied to electrical apparatus 100 via input unit 400and a grounded object receiving electrical current therefrom, wherein atleast a portion of current flows to ground, thereby creating animbalance of current flow into input unit 400 and current flow returningfrom input unit 400. In some implementations, an input unit 400comprising a GFCI may further comprise: a GFCI test button 514, whereindepressing test button 514 may generate a ground fault condition and mayenable a user to test the GFCI; an indicator 516, such as an LEDindicator, which may indicate an occurrence of a ground fault and aninterrupted state of the GFCI (or a lack thereof); and a GFCI resetbutton 512, wherein a user may attempt to reset an interrupted state ofthe GFCI such that power may potentially be restored to electricalreceptacles 222 a and 222 b of output unit 200.

Electrical interconnect 300 may comprise: a cable/raceway 302, whichcomprises electrical conductors that may distribute electrical power viaa hot and neutral conductor and an electrical ground between input unit400 and receptacles 222 a and 222 b of output unit 200; an output unitstrain relief 310, which strain relieves cable raceway 302 to outputunit 200; and an input unit strain relief 320, which strain relievescable/raceway 302 to input unit 400. Cable/raceway 302 may be flexibleand allow a flexible orientation and positioning of output unit 200relative to input unit 400. Cable/raceway 302 may be manufactured tomeet a safety standard, such as an Underwriters Laboratories (UL)standard, and be of a service grade classification, such as an SJTclassification, and may be a flame retardant rated construction, such asan FT2 rated construction. Cable raceway 302 may comprise a durableouter jacket, such as a polyvinyl chloride jacket, which encases aground conductor, a neutral conductor and a hot conductor, wherein theground, neutral and hot conductors may be additionally individuallyjacketed with an electrically insulating jacket, such as a polyvinylchloride jacket. The conductors may comprise a stranded copper wire andmay be a suitable gauge for relocating an outlet tap on a typical 15 ampor 20 amp branch circuit, such as a 14 AWG or 12 AWG.

FIG. 1B depicts the example implementation of FIG. 1A, whereinelectrical apparatus 100 is separated from surface 110 such that anexisting electrical outlet (existing outlet) 130 and a mounting plate120 located on surface 110 may be visible in FIG. 1B. In an exampleimplementation of FIG. 1B, a mounting plate 120 may be mounted tosurface 110 via one or more attachment holes, such as attachment holes126, using fasteners suitable for the underlying construction of surface110, such as by using drywall anchors, toggle bolts, butterfly bolts,molly anchors, woodscrews, concrete anchors, and the like. Alternativelyor additionally, and depending on a suitable surface, two-sided adhesivestrips, such as a 3M Command™ Strips marketed by 3M Corporation, may beplaced between mounting plate 120 and surface 110 to secure or furthersecure mounting plate 120 to surface 110. Output unit 200 may beremovably attached to mounting plate 120 and may be secured via mountingplate studs 124. In an implementation, arrow 122 may indicate a possiblemounting motion of an output unit 200 relative to a mounting plate 120.In an implementation not depicted in FIG. 1B, two-sided adhesive stripsmay be applied directly between a surface and output unit 200 forattachment of output unit 200 to surface 110, however, such animplementation would not be conducive to convenient detachment andreattachment of output unit 200 to surface 110. In an implementation notdepicted in FIG. 1B, one or mounting flanges may be comprised by outputunit 200 and provide mounting holes for use in conjunction withfasteners suitable for the underlying construction of surface 110. Inputunit 400 may be removably attached to existing outlet 130 with a motionwhich may be indicated by arrow 132. Existing outlet 130 may comprise anexisting outlet upper receptacle 134 and an existing outlet lowerreceptacle 136. Mounting plate 120 may be located in one of a pluralityof locations such that when input unit 400 is attached to existingoutlet 130 and output unit 200 is attached to mounting plate 120 thedistance between, and the positional orientations of input unit 400 andoutput unit 200, satisfy a physical constraint of electricalinterconnect 300.

FIG. 1C depicts the example implementation of FIG. 1B, whereinelectrical apparatus 100 is rotated such that a back of output unit 200(mounting plate 120 facing side) and a back of input unit 400 (existingoutlet 130 facing side) are visible. Input unit 400 may comprise aninput electrical plug (electrical plug) 420 which may plug into upperreceptacle 134 of existing outlet 130. Electrical plug 420 may comprisea ground prong 414, a neutral prong 416 and a hot prong 418. In someimplementations, input unit 400 may comprise a redundant ground prong412 which may plug into the ground socket of existing outlet lowerreceptacle 136. When electrical plug 420 is plugged into existing outlet130, input unit 400 may serve to cover and conceal existing outlet 130.In some implementations, input unit 400 may not comprise redundantground prong 412. In some implementations, input unit 400 may comprise anon-electrically operative neutral prong and hot prong (not shown inFIG. 1C), e.g., prongs consisting of hard plastic, or if metal, notelectrically connected to electrical interconnect 300, which plug intoexisting outlet lower receptacle 136 and provide mechanical retentionand/or mechanical support for input unit 400. In some implementations,input unit 400 may comprise a fastener (not shown), such as a captivefastener retained by input unit 400 but externally accessible from thefront of input unit 400 for rotation, or a fastener inserted into thefront and though input unit 400 and accessible for rotation, to screwinto threads of an existing outlet, such as outlet plate screw threadsof existing outlet 130, wherein such a fastener may secure input unit400 to existing outlet 130. In some implementations, the fastener maycomprise a head that may be actuated by a screwdriver or other suchtool. In some implementations, the fastener may comprise a head with ahand operable fastener head, such as a head comprising wings as commonlyused in wing nuts, or a foldup tab, swivel-attached to the hand operablehead, or the like, wherein tools are not required to secure or removeinput unit 400 from screw threads of existing outlet 130. Input unit 400may further comprise a back plate 404 and one or more back platefasteners, such as back plate screws 406, wherein back plate screws 406may secure back plate 404 to an input unit housing 402. The back ofoutput unit 200 comprises output unit mounting holes (mounting holes)210 which may accept a head of a mounting plate stud 124 and slide downover the stud shaft and capture the head behind a slot, therebyremovably attaching output unit 200 to mounting plate 120. In theexample implementation of FIG. 1C four such mounting plate studs 124 andfour such output unit mounting holes 210 are depicted. In otherimplementations other numbers of mounting plate studs 124 and mountingholes 210 are possible, such as for example, two or three mounting platestuds 124 and/or mounting holes 210. In an implementation not depictedin FIG. 1C, a mounting plate 120 may not be used, and studs, or raisedscrews (not fully seated screws) may be secured to surface 110, whereinmounting holes 210 and input unit 200 would be removably attachedthereto. In such an implementation, output unit could bedetached/removed and reattached without the need for tools.

FIG. 2A is a perspective rear view of an example implementation of aninput unit 400 with back plate screws 406 and a back plate 404 removedand provides a view of an assembly 400 a of input unit 400. Back plate404 may comprise back plate screw holes 410, a redundant ground pronghole 422 a ground prong hole 424, a neutral prong hole 426 and a hotprong hole 428. Assembly 400 a may comprise input unit housing 402 whichmay comprise assembled therein: a ground prong strap 430, comprisingredundant ground prong 412 and ground prong 414, wherein ground prongstrap 430 may be secured by fasteners, such as two ground screws 434 aand 434 b, wherein one ground screw 434 b may secure an input groundring connector 334 to ground prong strap 430 and input ground ringconnector 344 may be mechanically and electrically secured to a groundconductor 334, for example crimped onto ground conductor 334; neutralprong 416, wherein neutral prong 416 may be secured by a fastener, suchas a neutral screw 436, wherein neutral screw 436 may secure an inputneutral ring connector 346 to neutral prong 416 and input neutral ringconnector 346 may be mechanically and electrically secured to a neutralconductor 336, for example crimped onto neutral conductor 336; and hotprong 418, wherein hot prong 418 may be secured by a fastener, such as ahot screw 438, wherein hot screw 438 may secure an input hot ringconnector 348 to hot prong 418 and input hot ring connector 348 may beelectrically secured to a hot conductor 338, for example crimped ontohot conductor 338. A circuit board 450 may also be installed withininput housing 402 and may be secured by ground screws 434 a and 434 b,neutral screw 436 and/or hot screw 438 which may also secure groundprong strap 430, neutral prong 416 and hot prong 418. Housing 402 maycomprise back plate mounting bosses 408 which may accept back platemounting screws 406. Back plate 404 may be assembled to housing 402 bypassing prongs 412, 414, 416 and 418 though prong holes 422, 424, 426and 426 and passing back plate screws 406 through back plate screw holes410 and securing back plate screws 406 to back plate mounting bosses408.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of assembly 400 a of FIG. 2A and mayillustrate an example implementation of assembly 400 a in a disassembledstate, wherein ground screws 434 a and 434 b, neutral screw 436 and hotscrew 438 may be removed; ground ring connector 344 and conductor 334,neutral ring connector 346 and conductor 336 and hot ring conductor 348and conductor 338 may be removed; ground prong strap 430, neutral prong416 and hot prong 418 may be removed; and circuit board 450 may beremoved. Input unit housing 402 may comprise mounting bosses to receivescrews 434 a, 434 b, 436 and 448, namely, ground strap mounting bosses474 a and 474 b, a neutral prong mounting boss 476 and a hot prongmounting boss 478. Circuit board 450 may comprise a ground strap pad454, neutral prong pad 456 and hot prong pad 458 on which ground bar430, neutral prong 416 and hot prong 414 may be mounted, respectively,such that electrical connection may be made therebetween and electricalpower and electrical ground may be received by circuit board 450 from aconnected existing outlet 130 via pads 454, 456 and 458. Circuit board450 may comprise ground strap circuit board holes 454 a and 454 b, aneutral prong circuit board hole 456 a and a hot prong circuit boardhole 458 a to allow screws 434 a, 434 b, 436 and 438 to pass throughcircuit board 450. In some implementations, circuit board 450 maycomprise a GFCI and other circuitry such as an indicator circuit and anindicator, such as one or more LED indicators 516, which may indicate astatus, including a status of electrical power available at prongs 416and 418, and a status of a GFCI switch, such as an open switch resultingfrom an occurrence of a ground fault, a GFCI test circuit and a testbutton 514 and a GFCI reset circuit and a reset button 512. In such animplementation, input unit housing 402 may comprise a GFCI reset buttonopening 482, a GFCI test button opening 484 and an indicator opening486. A GFCI circuit may be implemented similar to an implementationdisclosed in an FAN4147 Datasheet, dated March, 2013, wherein a FAN4147is a ground fault interrupter controller marketed by FairchildSemiconductor and the aforementioned datasheet discloses a typicalapplication of the FAN4147 controller.

To assemble assembly 400 a, circuit board 450 may be inserted into inputhousing 402 on top of bosses 474 a, 474 b, 476 and 478; ground prongstrap 430 comprising ground prongs 412 and 414, neutral prong 416 andhot prong 418 may be installed on pads 454, 456 and 458 of circuit board450; input ground ring connector 334, input neutral ring connector 436and input hot ring connector 438 may be placed on ground prong strap930, neutral prong 916 and hot prong 918. Screws may then be used tosecure assembly 400 a as follows: ground screw 434 a may pass throughinput ground ring connector 334, through a ground strap mounting hole444 a, through ground strap circuit board mounting hole 454 a and intoground strap mounting boss 474 a; ground screw 434 b may pass throughinput ground ring connector 344, though a ground strap mounting hole 444b, through ground strap circuit board mounting hole 454 b and intoground strap mounting boss 474 b; neutral screw 436 may pass throughinput neutral ring connector 346, through a neutral prong mounting hole446, through neutral prong circuit board mounting hole 456 a and intoneutral prong mounting boss 476; and hot screw 438 may pass throughinput hot ring connector 348, through a hot prong mounting hole 448,through hot prong circuit board mounting hole 458 a and into hot prongmounting boss 478.

Input unit strain relief 320 may comprise an inner strain relief portion320 b and an outer strain relief portion 320 a configured to provide astrain relief retention groove 320 c which may mate with a strain reliefslot 432 comprised by input unit housing 402 and secure electricalinterconnect 300 to input unit housing 402 via input unit strain relief320. Edges of input unit housing 402 formed by strain relief slot 432may pass into strain relief retention groove 320 c when input unitstrain relief 320 is inserted therein, thereby capturing and securinginput unit strain relief 320, and in turn securing electricalinterconnect 300 to input unit housing 402. Input unit strain relief 320may be manufactured using a plurality of methods. One method may be anovermolding process, wherein a thermoplastic resin is injection moldedover cable/raceway 302 of electrical interconnect 300. An UnderwritersLaboratories (UL) recognized flame retardant material, such as a UL94V-0 (burning stops within 10 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips ofparticles allowed as long as they are not inflamed) rated material maybe used as an overmold thermoplastic resin. Cable/raceway 302 ofelectrical interconnect 300 may comprise ground conductor 334, neutralconductor 336 and hot conductor 338, and as noted earlier, may bemanufactured to meet a safety standard, such as an UnderwritersLaboratories (UL) standard, and be of a service grade classification,such as an SJT classification, and may be a flame retardant ratedconstruction, such as an FT2 rated construction. Cable raceway 302 maycomprise a durable outer jacket, such as a polyvinyl chloride jacket,which encases ground conductor 334, neutral conductor 346 and hotconductor 348, wherein conductors 344, 346 and 348 may be additionallyindividually jacketed with an electrically insulating jacket, such as apolyvinyl chloride jacket. The conductors may comprise a stranded copperwire and may be a suitable gauge for relocating an outlet tap on atypical 15 amp or 20 amp branch circuit, such as a 14 AWG or 12 AWG.

Implementations of an input unit 400 as described are illustrative andmany implementations are possible. Various materials and constructionsare possible. Components such as housing 402 and plate 404 which mayrestrict access to electrical power, such as to restrict unintentionalcontact with an electrified component, may be constructed of anelectrically insulating, durable and rigid material, such as forexample, an electrically insulating plastic resin, and may bemanufactured, for example, using a thermoforming process such as aninjection molding process, and may be manufactured of an UnderwritersLaboratories (UL) recognized flame retardant material, such as a UL94V-0 (burning stops within 10 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips ofparticles allowed as long as they are not inflamed) rated material.Other components which are configured to conduct electrical power, suchas prongs 412, 414, 416 and 418, may be constructed of metals, such asbrass (which is a harder metal than copper and may provide for low wearand durability), and be configured to provide a low impedance electricalpath and have a capacity to conduct 15 amperes of electrical currentwhen connected to an existing outlet of a branch circuit.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example implementation of an outputunit 200, wherein front assembly screws 206 may be removed and a frontassembly 204 a may be removed in a motion that may be indicated by anarrow 140 and be rotated to provide a rear view of front assembly 204 a.Front assembly 204 a may comprise: a front plate 204, a ground busbar234 secured to a ground busbar housing 244, wherein the ground busbar234 may be secured using one or more fasteners, such as a ground busbarupper mounting screw 254 a and a ground busbar lower mounting screw 254b; a neutral busbar 236 secured to a neutral busbar housing 246, whereinthe neutral busbar 236 may be secured using one or more fasteners, suchas a neutral busbar upper mounting screw 256 a and a neutral busbarlower mounting screw 256 b; and a hot busbar 238 secured to a hot busbarhousing 248, wherein the hot busbar 238 may be secured using one or morefasteners, such as a hot busbar upper mounting screw 258 a and a hotbusbar lower mounting screw 258 b. Fasteners, such as screws 254 a, 254b, 256 a, 256 b, 258 a and 258 b may also secure an electricalconnection to busbars 234, 236 and 238. In the example implementationdepicted in FIG. 3A, a ground output ring connector 354 may bemechanically and electrically secured to a ground conductor 334, forexample crimped onto ground conductor 334, and may be positioned asindicated by an arrow 144 and mechanically and electrically secured toground busbar 234 with ground busbar lower mounting screw 265 b; aneutral output ring connector 356 may be mechanically and electricallysecured to a neutral conductor 336, for example crimped onto neutralconductor 336, and may be positioned as indicated by an arrow 146 andmechanically and electrically secured to neutral busbar 236 with neutralbusbar lower mounting screw 256 b; and a hot output ring connector 358may be electrically secured to a hot conductor 338, for example crimpedonto hot conductor 338, and may be positioned as indicated by an arrow148 and mechanically and electrically secured to hot busbar 238 with hotbusbar lower mounting screw 258 b. Output unit housing 202 may comprisefront assembly mounting bosses 212 and front assembly may comprise frontassembly mounting holes 214, wherein front assembly 204 a may be locatedto position front assembly mounting holes 214 on front assembly mountingbosses 212 and secured thereto with front assembly screws 206. In theexample implementation depicted in FIG. 3A, two of four output unitmounting holes 210 depicted in FIG. 1C are visible. Output unit mountingholes 210 may comprise an interior wall such that an object may not beeasily inserted into output unit 200 and potentially make contact withan electrified component therein.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a lower portion of output unit housing202 a, wherein output unit strain relief 310 and electrical interconnect300 are removed from output unit housing 210 a. Output unit housing 202a comprises an output unit strain relief slot 208. Output unit strainrelief 310 may comprise an inner strain relief portion 310 b and anouter strain relief portion 310 a configured to provide a strain reliefretention groove 310 c which may mate with strain relief slot 208 andsecure electrical interconnect 300 to output unit housing 202 a (andoutput housing 202 as shown in FIG. 3A) via output unit strain relief310. Edges of output unit housing 202 formed by strain relief slot 208may pass into strain relief retention groove 310 c when output unitstrain relief 310 is inserted therein, thereby capturing and securingoutput unit strain relief 310, and in turn securing electricalinterconnect 300, to output unit housing 202. Output unit strain relief310 may be manufactured using a plurality of methods. One method may bean overmolding process as described earlier herein in conjunction withinput unit strain relief 320. Cable/raceway 302 of electricalinterconnect 300 may comprise ground conductor 334, neutral conductor336 and hot conductor 338, and may be manufactured to meet a safetystandard, as noted earlier herein. Conductors 334, 336 and 338 mayelectrically interconnect output ring connectors 354, 356 and 358 (FIG.3A) to input ring connectors 344, 346 and 348 (FIG. 2B) viacable/raceway 302 of electrical interconnect 300.

FIG. 3C is an exploded rear view of front assembly 204 a of the exampleimplementation of FIG. 3A. Front assembly 204 a may comprise a groundbusbar upper mounting boss 274 a, a ground busbar lower mounting boss274 b, a neutral busbar upper mounting boss 276 a, a neutral busbarlower mounting boss 276 b, a hot busbar upper mounting boss 278 a and ahot busbar lower mounting boss 278 b, wherein ground busbar mountingscrews 254 a and 254 b, neutral busbar mounting screws 256 a and 256 band hot busbar mounting screws 258 a and 258 b may be removed therefrom,and ground busbar 234, neutral busbar 236 and hot busbar 238 may beremoved as depicted in FIG. 3C.

Implementations of an output unit 200 as described are illustrative andmany implementations are possible. Various materials and constructionsare possible. Components such as housing 202 and front plate 204 whichmay restrict access to electrical power, such as to restrictunintentional contact with an electrified component, may be constructedof an electrically insulating, durable and rigid material, such as forexample, an electrically insulating plastic resin, and may bemanufactured, for example, using a thermoforming process such as aninjection molding process, and may be manufactured of an UnderwritersLaboratories (UL) recognized flame retardant material, such as a UL94V-0 (burning stops within 10 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips ofparticles allowed as long as they are not inflamed) rated material.Other components which are configured to conduct electrical power, suchas busbars 234, 236 and 238, may be constructed of metals, such as brass(which is a harder metal than copper and may provide for low wear anddurability), and be configured to provide a low impedance electricalpath and have a capacity to conduct 15 amperes of electrical currentwhen electrically connected to an existing outlet of a branch circuit.

FIG. 3D is a rear perspective view of ground busbar 234, neutral busbar236 and hot busbar 238. Ground busbar 234 may comprise an upper groundprong socket 264 a, which may be attached at an attachment point 264 c,a lower ground prong socket 264 b, which may be attached at anattachment point 264 d, an upper mounting hole 234 a and a lowermounting hole 234 b. Neutral busbar 236 may comprise an upper neutralprong socket 266 a, which may be attached at an attachment point 266 c,a lower neutral prong socket 266 b, which may be attached at anattachment point 266 d, an upper mounting hole 236 a and a lowermounting hole 236 b. Hot busbar 238 may comprise an upper hot prongsocket 268 a, which may be attached at an attachment point 268 c, alower hot prong socket 268 b, which may be an attached at attachmentpoint 268 d, an upper mounting hole 238 a and a lower mounting hole 238b.

FIG. 3E illustrates an example implementation of a ground prong socket40, such as ground prong sockets 264 a and 264 b of FIG. 3D, depicted infour views: 40 a is a top view; 40 b is a front (prong entry side) view;40 c is a right side view; and 40 d is a perspective view. Ground prongsocket 40 may comprise a right side wiper contact 44 and a left sidewiper contact 46. Right side wiper contact 44 and left sider wipercontact 46 may each comprise a deflection wing 48 and 50, respectively,which may cause wiper contacts 44 and 46 to resiliently spread in a gapdistance between each other in response to an entry of a ground prong ata location 42. Wiper contact 44 may be connected to a mounting bar 52via a horizontal arm 54 and a vertical arm 56, and wiper contact 46 maybe connected to a mounting bar 52 via a horizontal arm 58 and a verticalarm 60, wherein arms 54, 56, 58 and 60 may be flexible and permit wipercontacts 44 and 46 movement to resiliently spread in a gap distancebetween each other to allow entry of a ground prong therebetween, andmaintain a flat and pressured contact along a section of the groundprong therebetween. Mounting bar 52 may comprise an attachment point 62wherein mounting bar 52 may be attached to a ground busbar, such asground busbar 234 of FIG. 3D, at attachment point 264 c or attachmentpoint 264 d. Such attachment may comprise an attachment method, such asfor example, a weld, rivet and/or the like, and result in electricalconnectivity between wiper contacts 44 and 46 and ground busbar 234.

FIG. 3F illustrates an example implementation of a blade prong socket70, which may accept a blade prong such as a neutral prong or a hotprong, and may be similar to neutral prong sockets 266 a and 266 b andhot prong sockets 268 a and 268 b of FIG. 3D. Blade prong socket 70 isdepicted in four views: 70 a is a top view; 70 b is a front (prong entryside) view; 70 c is a right side view; and 70 d is a perspective view.Blade prong socket 70 may comprise a right side wiper contact 74 and aleft side wiper contact 76. Right side wiper contact 74 and left siderwiper contact 76 may each comprise a deflection wing 78 and 80,respectively, which may cause wiper contacts 74 and 76 to resilientlyspread in a gap distance between each other in response to an entry of ablade prong at a location 72. Wiper contact 74 may be connected to wipercontact 76 via a base 82. Wiper contacts 74 and 76 and base 82 may beflexible and permit wiper contacts 74 and 76 movement to resilientlyspread in a gap distance between each other to allow entry of a bladeprong therebetween, and maintain a flat and pressured contact along asection of the blade prong therebetween. Blade prong socket 70 maycomprise an attachment point 84 a or 84 b wherein blade prong socket 70may be attached to a neutral busbar or a hot busbar, such as busbar 236or 238 of FIG. 3D, at attachment point 266 c, 266 d, 268 c or 268 d.Such attachment may comprise an attachment method, such as for example,a weld, rivet and/or the like, and result in electrical connectivitybetween wiper contacts 74 and 76 and busbar 236 or 238. Various otherimplementations of busbars 234, 236 and 238 and contacts 40, 70, 264 a,264 b, 266 a, 266 b, 268 a and 268 b are possible. For example, othermethods of construction, configurations, attachments (or forming to becomprised by a common part) are may be used. Various conductivematerials and constructions which provide a low impedance electricalpath between a prong connected to a contact and a ring connectorconnected to a busbar, and having a capacity to conduct 15 ampereselectrical power received from a connected branch circuit may be used.

In some implementations, an electric power distribution apparatus maycomprise a modular connection system, such that a user may connectvarious modular components to configure a modular electrical apparatus.FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a userconfigurable modular electric power distribution apparatus (modularelectrical apparatus) 150. Modular electrical apparatus 150 may comprisean electrical output unit (output unit) 700, an electrical input unit(input unit) 900 and a modular electrical interconnect 800 which mayelectrically interconnect output unit 700 with input unit 900. In theexample implementation of FIG. 4A, output unit 700 may be located on asurface 110, such as a wall surface, and may comprise an output unithousing 702 and a front assembly 704 a which may be secured to outputhousing 702 with one or more fasteners such as with screws 706. Frontassembly 704 a may comprise two receptacles, e.g., an upper receptacle722 a and a lower receptacle 722 b. Upper receptacle 722 a may comprisean upper ground socket 724 a, an upper neutral socket 726 a and an upperhot socket 728 a. Lower receptacle 722 b may comprise a lower groundsocket 724 b, a lower neutral socket 726 b and a lower hot socket 728 b.An implementation of a modular electrical apparatus may have othernumbers of receptacles, such as for example, one, three, four, or morereceptacles.

Input unit 900 may be attached to an existing electrical outlet (notvisible in FIG. 4A) located on surface 110 such that electrical powermay be supplied to input unit 900 and be distributed by electricalinterconnect 800 to receptacles 722 a and 722 b of output unit 700. Insome implementations, a modular electrical apparatus 150 may comprise aground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). A GFCI may be configured tointerrupt availability of electrical power at electrical receptacles 722a and 722 b of output unit 700 upon an occurrence of a ground faultcondition resulting in or affecting an electrical current flowing intoinput unit 900. In some implementations, a ground fault circuitinterrupter (GFCI) may be comprised by input unit 900, wherein the GFCImay interrupt an electrical path between electrical power supplied tomodular electrical apparatus 150 via input unit 900 and a groundedobject receiving electrical current therefrom, wherein at least aportion of current flows to ground, thereby creating an imbalance ofcurrent flow into input unit 900 and current flow returning from inputunit 900. In some implementations, an input unit 900 comprising a GFCImay further comprise: a GFCI test button 614, wherein depressing testbutton 614 may generate a ground fault condition and may enable a userto test the GFCI; an indicator 616, such as an LED indicator, which mayindicate an occurrence of a ground fault and an interrupted state of theGFCI (or a lack thereof); and a GFCI reset button 612, wherein a usermay attempt to reset an interrupted state of the GFCI such that powermay potentially be restored to electrical receptacles 222 a and 222 b ofoutput unit 700.

Modular electrical interconnect 800 may be modular and may comprisestraight interconnect modules and angled interconnect modules. In someimplementations, straight interconnect modules may be provided invarious types, such as: various lengths; various colors; variousconstructions, including flexible construction and rigid construction;and the like. In some implementations, angled interconnect modules maybe provided in various types, such as: various angles, e.g., 90 degree,45 degree, variable degrees (swivel), and the like; variousorientations, such as angle right and angle left, etc.; various colors;various constructions; and the like. In the example implementation ofFIG. 4A, electrical interconnect 800 may comprise two types of straightinterconnect modules in various quantities, namely, three type Astraight interconnect modules, such as, an interconnect module 862 a, aninterconnect module 862 b and an interconnect module 862 c, and one typeB straight interconnect module 864. A difference between a type Astraight interconnect module, such as 862 a, and a type B straightinterconnect module, such as 864, may be a difference in length. In theexample implementation of FIG. 4A, interconnect 800 may comprise twotypes of angled interconnect modules, namely one type A angledinterconnect module 872 and one type B interconnect module 874. Adifference between a type A angled interconnect module 872 and a type Bangled interconnect module 874 may be a difference in orientation ofangle. Modular interconnects 862 a, 862 b, 862 c, 864, 872 and 874 maycomprise electrical conductors that may interconnect between connectedmodules and distribute electrical power via a series of interconnectedhot conductors and a series of interconnected neutral conductors andprovide an electrical ground via a series of interconnected groundconductors between an existing outlet (not visible in FIG. 4A) via inputunit 900 and receptacles 722 a and 722 b of output unit 700. Partiallyvisible in FIG. 4A are module mounting plates 172 a, 172 b and 174,which may be more fully depicted in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4C.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view example implementation of the modularelectrical apparatus 150 a of FIG. 4A separated from surface 110 suchthat an existing electrical outlet (existing outlet) 130 and a mountingplate 120 located on surface 110 may be visible, and module mountingplates 172 a, 172 b and 174 may be visible or at least partiallyvisible. Modular electrical apparatus 150 a may comprise animplementation of an outlet unit 700 a which may comprise a frontassembly 704 b which may comprise USB power ports 792 and 794 and mayfurther comprise an indicator 796, such as an LED indicator, which mayindicate an electrical power status, such as electrical power isavailable at receptacles 722 a and 722 b, and USB power ports 792 and794. In some implementations, indicator 796 may also provide anindication of a fault condition, such as an occurrence of a ground faultand an interrupted state of the GFCI. Mounting plate 120 may be mountedto surface 110 via one or more attachment holes, such as attachmentholes 126, using fasteners suitable for the underlying construction ofsurface 110, such as by using drywall anchors, toggle bolts, butterflybolts, molly anchors, woodscrews, concrete anchors, and the like.Alternatively or additionally, two-sided adhesive strips, such as 3MCommand Strips™, may be placed between mounting plate 120 and surface110 to secure or further secure mounting plate 120 to surface 110.Output unit 700 a may be removably attached to mounting plate 120 andmay be secured via mounting plate studs 124. In an implementation, arrow122 may indicate a possible mounting motion of an output unit 700 arelative to a mounting plate 120. In an implementation not depicted inFIG. 4B, two-sided adhesive strips may be applied directly between asurface and output unit 700 a for attachment of output unit 700 tosurface 110, however, such an implementation would not be conducive toconvenient detachment and reattachment of output unit 700 a to surface110. In an implementation not depicted in FIG. 4B, one or mountingflanges may be comprised by output unit 700 a and provide mounting holesfor use in conjunction with fasteners suitable for the underlyingconstruction of surface 110. Input unit 900 may be removably attached toexisting outlet 130 with a motion which may be indicated by arrow 132.Existing outlet 130 may comprise an existing outlet upper receptacle 134and an existing outlet lower receptacle 136. Mounting plate 120 may belocated in one of a plurality of locations such that when input unit 900is attached to existing outlet 130 and output unit 700 a is attached tomounting plate 120 the distance between, and the positional orientationsof input unit 900 and output unit 700 a, satisfy a physical constraintof electrical interconnect 800.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of modular electrical apparatus 150separated from surface 110 and rotated such that a back of output unit700 (mounting plate 120 facing side) and a back of input unit 900(existing outlet 130 facing side) are visible. Input unit 900 maycomprise an electrical plug 920 which may plug into upper receptacle 134of existing outlet 130. Electrical plug 920 may comprise a ground prong914, a neutral prong 916 and a hot prong 918. In some implementations,input unit 900 may comprise a redundant ground prong 912 which may pluginto the ground socket of existing outlet lower receptacle 136. Whenelectrical plug 920 is plugged into existing outlet 130, input unit 900may serve to cover and conceal existing outlet 130. In someimplementations, input unit 900 may not comprise redundant ground prong912. In some implementations, input unit 900 may comprise anon-electrically operative neutral prong and hot prong (not shown inFIG. 4C), e.g., prongs consisting of hard plastic, or if metal, notelectrically connected to electrical interconnect 800, which plug intoexisting outlet lower receptacle 136 and provide mechanical retentionand/or mechanical support for input unit 900. In some implementations,input unit 900 may comprise a fastener (not shown), such as a captivefastener retained by input unit 900 but externally accessible from thefront of input unit 900 for rotation, or a fastener inserted into thefront and though input unit 900 and accessible for rotation, to screwinto threads of an existing outlet, such as outlet plate screw threadsof existing outlet 130, wherein such a fastener may secure input unit900 to existing outlet 130. In some implementations, the fastener maycomprise a head that may be actuated by a screwdriver or other suchtool. In some implementations, the fastener may comprise a head with ahand operable fastener head, such as a head comprising wings as commonlyused in wing nuts, or a foldup tab, swivel-attached to the hand operablehead, or the like, wherein tools are not required to secure or removeinput unit 900 from screw threads of existing outlet 130. Input unit 900may further comprise a back plate 904 and one or more back platefasteners, such as back plate screws 906, wherein back plate screws 906may secure back plate 904 to an input unit housing 902. The back ofoutput unit 700 comprises output unit mounting holes (mounting holes)710 which may accept a head of a mounting plate stud 124 and slide downover the stud shaft and capture the head behind a slot, therebyremovably attaching output unit 700 to mounting plate 120. In theexample implementation of FIG. 1C four such mounting plate studs 124 andfour such output unit mounting holes 710 are depicted. In otherimplementations other numbers of mounting plate studs 124 and mountingholes 710 are possible, such as for example, two or three mounting platestuds 124 and/or mounting holes 710. In an implementation not depictedin FIG. 4C, a mounting plate 120 may not be used, and studs, or raisedscrews (not fully seated screws) may be secured to surface 110, whereinmounting holes 710 and input unit 700 would be removably attachedthereto. In such an implementation, output unit could bedetached/removed and reattached without the need for tools.

FIG. 5A is a perspective rear view of an example implementation of aninput unit 900 and a type B straight interconnect module 864 connectedthereto. Type B straight interconnect module 864 may comprise a modularinterconnect socket 818 b. FIG. 5B a perspective rear view of input unit900 and type B straight interconnect module 864 with back plate screws906 and a back plate 904 removed and provides a view of an assembly 900a. Type B straight interconnect module 864 may be unplugged from amodular interconnect socket 818 a which may be comprised by input unit900. Back plate 904 may comprise back plate screw holes 910, a redundantground prong hole 922 a ground prong hole 924, a neutral prong hole 926and a hot prong hole 928. Assembly 900 a may comprise input unit housing902 which may comprise assembled therein: a ground prong strap 930,comprising redundant ground prong 912 and ground prong 914, whereinground prong strap 930 may be secured by fasteners, such as two groundscrews 934 a and 934 b, wherein one ground screw 934 b may secure an endof an input ground jumper 834 to ground prong strap 930, and another endof input ground jumper 834 may comprise a ground pin socket 844 alocated within a modular interconnect pin socket 818 a comprised byinput unit 900; neutral prong 916, wherein neutral prong 916 may besecured by a fastener, such as a neutral screw 936, wherein neutralscrew 936 may secure an end of an input neutral jumper 836 to neutralprong 916 and another end of input neutral jumper 836 may comprise aneutral pin socket 846 a located within modular interconnect socket 818a comprised by input unit 900; and hot prong 918, wherein hot prong 918may be secured by a fastener, such as a hot screw 938, wherein hot screw938 may secure an end of an input hot jumper 838 to hot prong 918 andanother end of input hot jumper 838 may comprise a hot pin socket 848 alocated within modular interconnect socket 818 a comprised by input unit900. A circuit board 950 may also be installed within input housing 902and may be secured by ground screws 934 a and 934 b, neutral screw 936and/or hot screw 938 which may also secure ground prong strap 930,neutral prong 916 and hot prong 918, and may also secure input groundjumper 834, input neutral jumper 936 and input hot jumper 938. Housing902 may comprise back plate mounting bosses 908 which may accept backplate mounting screws 906. Back plate 904 may be assembled to housing904 by passing prongs 912, 914, 916 and 916 though prong holes 922, 924,926 and 926 and passing back plate screws 906 through back plate screwholes 910 and securing back plate screws 906 to back plate mountingbosses 908. An upper tab 904 a of back plate 904 forms a back wall ofinterconnect socket 818 a. A pin socket wall 904 b comprising holes forpin access to pin sockets 854 a, 856 a and 858 a comprised byinterconnect socket 818 a, protrudes from upper tab 904 a and forms apin socket wall covering pin sockets 844 a, 846 a and 848 a, whereinplug pins, such as pins 854 a, 856 a and 858 a of interconnect plug 816a may access pin sockets 844 a, 846 a and 848 a through pin socket wall904 b.

FIG. 5C is an exploded view of assembly 900 a of FIG. 5B and mayillustrate an example implementation of assembly 900 a in a disassembledstate, wherein: ground screws 934 a and 934 b, neutral screw 936 and hotscrew 938 may be removed; input ground jumper 934, input neutral jumper936 and input hot jumper 938 may be removed; ground prong strap 930,neutral prong 914 and hot prong 918 may be removed; and circuit board950 may be removed. Input unit housing 902 may comprise mounting bossesto receive screws 934 a, 934 b, 936 and 948, namely, ground strapmounting bosses 974 a and 974 b, a neutral prong mounting boss 976 and ahot prong mounting boss 978. Circuit board 950 may comprise a groundstrap pad 954, neutral prong pad 956 and hot prong pad 958 on whichground bar 930, neutral prong 916 and hot prong 914 may be mounted,respectively, such that electrical connection may be made therebetweenand electrical power and electrical ground may be received by circuitboard 950 from a connected existing outlet 130 via pads 954, 956 and958. Circuit board 950 may comprise ground strap circuit board holes 954a and 954 b, a neutral prong circuit board hole 956 a and a hot prongcircuit board hole 958 a to allow screws 934 a, 934 b, 936 and 938 topass through circuit board 950. In some implementations, circuit board950 may comprise a GFCI and other circuitry such as an indicator circuitand an indicator, such as one or more LED indicators 616, which mayindicate a status, including a status of electrical power available atprongs 916 and 918, and a status of a GFCI switch, such as an openswitch resulting from an occurrence of a ground fault, a GFCI testcircuit and a test button 614 and a GFCI reset circuit and a resetbutton 612. In such an implementation, input unit housing 902 maycomprise a GFCI reset button opening 982, a GFCI test button opening 984and an indicator opening 986. A GFCI circuit may be implemented similarto an implementation disclosed in an FAN4147 Datasheet, dated March,2013, wherein a FAN4147 is a ground fault interrupter controllermarketed by Fairchild Semiconductor and the aforementioned datasheetdiscloses a typical application of the FAN4147 controller.

To assemble assembly 900 a, circuit board 950 may be inserted into inputhousing 902 on top of bosses 974 a, 974 b, 976 and 978; ground prongstrap 930 comprising ground prongs 912 and 914, neutral prong 916 andhot prong 918 may be installed on pads 954, 956 and 958 of circuit board950; input ground jumper 934, input neutral jumper 936 and input hotjumper 938 may be placed on ground prong strap 930, neutral prong 916and hot prong 918. Screws may then be used to secure assembly 900 a asfollows: ground screw 934 a may pass through an input ground jumpermounting hole 834 a, through a ground strap mounting hole 944 a, throughground strap circuit board mounting hole 954 a and into ground strapmounting boss 974 a; ground screw 934 b may pass through a ground strapmounting hole 944 b, through ground strap circuit board mounting hole954 b and into ground strap mounting boss 974 b; neutral screw 936 maypass through an input neutral jumper mounting hole 836 a, through aneutral prong mounting hole 946, through neutral prong circuit boardmounting hole 956 a and into neutral prong mounting boss 976; and hotscrew 938 may pass through an input hot jumper mounting hole 838 a,through a hot prong mounting hole 948, through hot prong circuit boardmounting hole 958 a and into hot prong mounting boss 978.

Input unit housing 902 may comprise an input unit interconnect sockethousing 932 which may comprise a separator 932 a and a separator 932 b,wherein interconnect socket housing 932, separator 932 a and separator932 b may house and separate ground pin socket 844 a, neutral pin socket846 a and hot pin socket 848 a, provide electrical insulationtherebetween, may be configured to provide mechanical support therefor,and may, in conjunction with back plate 904, collectively form aninterconnect socket 818 a which may receive an interconnect plug, suchas interconnect plug 816 a. In an implementation where modularelectrical apparatus 150 may comprise a GFCI, input unit housing 902 maycomprise a GFCI reset button opening 982, a GFCI test button opening 984and an indicator opening 986.

Implementations of a modular input unit 900 as described areillustrative and many implementations are possible. Various materialsand constructions are possible. Components such as housing 902 and backplate 904 which may restrict access to electrical power, such as torestrict unintentional contact with an electrified component, may beconstructed of an electrically insulating, durable and rigid material,such as for example, an electrically insulating plastic resin, and maybe manufactured, for example, using a thermoforming process such as aninjection molding process, and may be manufactured of an UnderwritersLaboratories (UL) recognized flame retardant material, such as a UL94V-0 (burning stops within 10 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips ofparticles allowed as long as they are not inflamed) rated material.Other components which are configured to conduct electrical power, suchas prongs 912, 914, 916 and 918, and input jumpers 834, 836 and 838 maybe constructed of metals, such as brass (which is a harder metal thancopper and may provide for low wear and durability), and be configuredto provide a low impedance electrical path and have a capacity toconduct 15 amperes of electrical current when connected to an existingoutlet of a branch circuit.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example implementation of an outputunit 700, wherein front assembly screws 706 may be removed, frontassembly 704 a may be removed from housing 702 in a motion that may beindicated by an arrow 140, and front assembly 704 a may be depicted in arear view. Front assembly 704 a may comprise: a front plate 720 a groundbusbar 734 secured to a ground busbar housing 744, wherein the groundbusbar 734 may be secured using one or more fasteners, such as a groundbusbar upper mounting screw 754 a and a ground busbar lower mountingscrew 754 b; a neutral busbar 736 secured to a neutral busbar housing746, wherein the neutral busbar 736 may be secured using one or morefasteners, such as a neutral busbar upper mounting screw 756 a and aneutral busbar lower mounting screw 756 b; and a hot busbar 738 securedto a hot busbar housing 748, wherein the hot busbar 738 may be securedusing one or more fasteners, such as a hot busbar upper mounting screw758 a and a hot busbar lower mounting screw 758 b. Fasteners, such asscrews 754 a, 754 b, 756 a, 756 b, 758 a and 758 b may also secure anelectrical connection to busbars 734, 736 and 738. In the exampleimplementation depicted in FIG. 6A, front assembly 704 a may comprise anoutput ground jumper 824, an output neutral jumper 826, an output hotjumper 828 and an interconnect plug frame 716, wherein one end of outputjumpers 824, 826 and 828 may be secured to busbars 734, 736 and 738 withscrews 754 b, 756 b and 758 b, respectively, and the other end of outputjumpers 824, 826 and 828 may each comprise and terminate as a pin,namely, a ground pin 854 b, a neutral pin 856 b and a hot pin 858 b,respectively. Pins 854 b, 856 b and 858 b may be housed by interconnectplug frame 716 and collectively, at least in part or a portion thereof,form an interconnect plug 816 b.

Turning briefly to FIG. 6B, FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an exampleimplementation of an interconnect plug frame 716, interconnect jumpertray 718 and output ground jumper 824, output neutral jumper 826 andoutput hot jumper 828, wherein interconnect plug frame 716 may beremoved therefrom in a motion that may be indicated by an arrow 716 cand provide a view from a reverse side from the view depicted in FIG.6A. Interconnect plug frame 716 and interconnect jumper tray 718 maycomprise separators 716 a and 716 b, and 718 a and 718 b, respectively.Separators 716 a and 718 a, and 716 b and 718 b may separate and provideinsulation between output neutral jumper 826 and output ground jumper824, and output hot jumper 828 and output ground jumper 824,respectively. Interconnect plug frame 716 may comprise a pin wall 716 d,which may comprise holes through which pins 854 b, 856 b and 858 b maypass. Collectively, at least portions of interconnect plug frame 716,interconnect jumper tray 718 and pins 854 b, 856 b and 858 b may forminterconnect plug 816 b. Output jumper 824, 826 and 828 may comprise onopposing ends from pins 854 b, 856 b and 858 b, output jumper mountingholes 824 a, 826 a and 828 a, respectively, through which fasteners,such as screws 754 a and 754 b, 756 a and 756 b, and 758 a and 758 b maypass to secure an electrical and mechanical connection to busbars 734,736 and 738. Returning to FIG. 6A, output unit housing 702 may comprisean output unit plug retention slot 708, which may receive interconnectplug frame 716, an interconnect jumper tray 718, and portions of outputground jumper 824, output neutral jumper 826 and output hot jumper 828,wherein, at least portions of interconnect plug frame 716, jumper tray718, ground pin 854 b, neutral pin 856 b and hot pin 818 b may forminterconnect plug 816 b and extend downward from output unit plugretention slot 708 and be available for a mating connection to aninterconnect socket, such as interconnect socket 818 c of type Astraight module 862 c.

Output unit housing 702 may comprise front assembly mounting bosses 712and front assembly 704 a may comprise front assembly mounting holes 714,wherein front assembly 704 a may be located to position front assemblymounting holes 714 on front assembly mounting bosses 712 and securethereto with front assembly screws 706. In the example implementationdepicted in FIG. 6A, two of four output unit mounting holes 710 depictedin FIG. 4C are visible. Output unit mounting holes 710 may comprise aninterior wall such that an object may not be easily inserted into outputunit 700 and potentially make contact with an electrified componenttherein.

FIG. 6C depicts a possible implementation of front assembly 704 b ofapparatus 150 a depicted in FIG. 4B, wherein a circuit board 780 maycomprise USB power port 792 and USB power port 794 (not visible in FIG.6C), and indicator 796. Circuit board may be secured in assembly 704 bby a ground screw 754 c, neutral screws 756 a and 756 b and hot screws758 a and 758 b, and may be positioned over, and may be in electricalcontact with output jumpers 824, 826 and 828 and/or busbars 734, 736 and738 such that circuit board 780 may receive electrical power andelectrical ground therefrom.

FIG. 6D depicts a perspective view of a front side of circuit board 780.Circuit board 780 may comprise a ground pad 784, a neutral pad 786 and ahot pad 788. Circuit board 780 may comprise a ground circuit board hole784 a, an upper neutral circuit board hole 786 a, a lower neutralcircuit board hole 786 c, an upper hot circuit board hole 788 a and alower hot circuit board hole 788 c. Circuit board 780 may comprise a twoUSB power ports 792 and 794 and an indicator 796 and circuitry togenerate an indicator status and convert electrical power made availablevia pads 786 and 788 from alternating current to 5 volt direct currentmade available at USB power ports 792 and 794. In an implementation, acontrol of indicator 796 may originate in input unit 900 and beinterconnected to circuit board 780 of output unit 700 a via electricalconductor(s) comprised by modular electrical interconnect 800, whereinsuch control may indicate status of a GFCI circuit comprised by inputunit 700.

FIG. 6E depicts an exploded rear perspective view of front assembly 704b. Front assembly 704 b may comprise a front plate 720 which maycomprise: a ground busbar upper mounting boss 774 a, a ground busbarlower mounting boss 774 b and a middle ground busbar mounting boss 774c, each of which may be located within ground busbar housing 744; aneutral busbar upper mounting boss 776 a, a neutral busbar lowermounting boss 776 b, each of which may be located within neutral busbarhousing 746; and a hot busbar upper mounting boss 778 a and a hot busbarlower mounting boss 778 b, each of which may be located within each ofwhich may be located within hot busbar housing 748. Ground busbarmounting screws 754 a, 754 b and 754 c, neutral busbar mounting screw756 a and 756 b and hot busbar mounting screws 758 a and 758 b maysecure components of assembly 704 b as depicted in FIG. 6C by securingthem to mounting bosses 774 a, 774 b, 774 c, 776 a, 776 b, 778 a and 778b, and may be removed therefrom, and the following components may beremoved as depicted in FIG. 6E: ground busbar 734, neutral busbar 736,hot busbar 738, output ground jumper 824, output neutral jumper 826 andoutput hot jumper 828 and circuit board 780. Interconnect plug frame 716and interconnect jumper tray 718 may also be removed from output jumpers824, 826 and 828.

Ground busbar 734 may comprise an upper ground prong socket 764 a, alower ground prong socket 764 b, an upper mounting hole 734 a, a lowermounting hole 734 b and a middle mounting hole 734 c. Neutral busbar 736may comprise an upper neutral prong socket 766 a, a lower neutral prongsocket 766 b, an upper mounting hole 736 a and a lower mounting hole 736b. Hot busbar 738 may comprise an upper hot prong socket 768 a, a lowerhot prong socket 768 b, an upper mounting hole 738 a and a lowermounting hole 738 b. To assemble assembly 704 b: busbars 734, 736 and738 may be positioned over and/or within busbar housings 744, 746 and748, respectively, namely, prong sockets 764(a and b), 766(a and b) and768(a and b) may be positioned within housings 744, 746 and 748,respectively and busbar mounting holes 734 a, 734 b, 734 c, 736 a, 736b, 738 a and 738 b and may be positioned over mounting bosses 774 a, 774b, 774 c, 776 a, 776 b, 778 a and 778 b, respectively; output jumpers824, 826 and 820 may be positioned over busbars 734, 726 and 738,respectively, and jumper mounting holes 824 a, 826 a and 828 a may beplaced over busbar mounting holes 734 c, 736 b and 738 b, respectively;spacers 784 b, 786 b and 788 b may be placed over busbar mounting holes734 a, 736 a and 738 a, respectively; circuit board 780 may be placedover the assembly stack, wherein circuit board holes 784 a, 784 b, 784c, 786 a, 786 b, 788 a and 788 b may be aligned with mounting bosses 774a, 774 b, 774 c, 776 a, 776 b, 778 a and 778 b, respectively; and screws754 a, 754 b, 754 c, 756 a, 756 b, 758 a and 758 b may be insertedtherein, respectively, and pass through the stack assembly of circuitboard/holes, jumpers/mounting holes or spacers, busbars/mounting holesand into mounting bosses to secure components of assembly 704 b asdepicted in FIG. 6C. Also referring to FIGS. 4B and 6A, to assembleoutput unit 700 a of modular electrical apparatus 150 a, interconnectjumper tray 718 and interconnect plug frame 716 can be assembled tooutput jumpers 824, 826 and 828 and be inserted into output unitinterconnect plug and tray slot 708, and front assembly screws 706 maybe inserted through front assembly mounting holes 714 and into frontassembly mounting bosses 712.

Implementations of a modular output unit 700 and a modular output unit700 a as described are illustrative and many implementations arepossible. Various materials and constructions are possible. Componentssuch as housing 702 and front plate 720 which may restrict access toelectrical power, such as to restrict unintentional contact with anelectrified component, may be constructed of an electrically insulating,durable and rigid material, such as for example, an electricallyinsulating plastic resin, and may be manufactured, for example, using athermoforming process such as an injection molding process, and may bemanufactured of an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recognized flameretardant material, such as a UL 94V-0 (burning stops within 10 secondson a vertical specimen; drips of particles allowed as long as they arenot inflamed) rated material. Other components which are configured toconduct electrical power, such as busbars 734, 736 and 738, and outputjumpers 824, 826 and 828 may be constructed of metals, such as brass(which is a harder metal than copper and may provide for low wear anddurability), and be configured to provide a low impedance electricalpath and have a capacity to conduct 15 amperes of electrical currentwhen electrically connected to an existing outlet of a branch circuit.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a straightinterconnect module 1000. Straight interconnect module 1000 may comprisean interconnect socket 1010, an interconnect plug 1020, an outer sleeve1030, a key 1032, a lock catch 1034, an inner sleeve housing 1040, a keytab 1042, a lock tab 1044, a lock release 1046, a ground pin 1054, aneutral pin 1056 and a hot pin 1058.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of interconnect module 1000 wherein outersleeve 1030 may not be assembled to an inner assembly 1002. Innerassembly 1002 may comprise inner sleeve housing 1040, pins 1054, 1056and 1058 and a ground pin socket 1064, a neutral pin socket 1066 and ahot pin socket 1068, wherein pin sockets 1064, 1066 and 1068 are withinhousing 1040, are not visible behind a pin socket wall 1040 c, but areaccessible by pins inserted through holes in pin socket wall 1040 c.Inner sleeve housing 1040 may comprise key tab 1042, lock tab 1044, lockrelease 1046 and slit 1050 and slit 1052. Slits 1050 and 1052 may permita travel inward of lock tab 1044 when lock release 1046 is pressedinward (towards the longitudinal axial of inner assembly 1002). Twointerconnected interconnect modules, wherein an interconnect plug 1020of a first module 1000 is plugged into an interconnect socket 1010 of asecond module 1000, may comprise a lock tab 1044 of the first module1000 engaged with a lock catch 1034 of the second module 1000, therebysecuring the first module 1000 together with the second module 1000.Pressing a lock release 1046 of the first module 1000 may cause lock tab1044 of the first module 1000 to travel inward and disengage from lockcatch 1034 of the second module 1000 and permit a separation of thefirst module 1000 and the second module 1000. A thinning of the wall ofhousing 1040 above lock release 1046 and between slits 1050 and 1052 mayfacilitate an easier actuation of a lock release action. Outer sleeve1030 may comprise key 1032, lock catch 1034 and a notch 1036, whereinnotch 1036 may be situated around portions of lock release 1046 whenouter sleeve 1030 is assembled with inner assembly 1002 as depicted inFIG. 7A. Two interconnected interconnect modules, wherein aninterconnect plug 1020 of a first module 1000 is plugged into aninterconnect socket 1010 of a second module 1000, may comprise a key tab1042 of the first module 1000 engaged with a key 1032 of the secondmodule 1000, wherein an interconnection of the first module in a rotatedorientation of 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis is prevented by amisalignment of key tab 1042 of the first module 1000 and the key 1032of the second module 1000.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of inner assembly 1002, wherein: an innersleeve housing cover 1040 a and an inner sleeve housing frame 1040 b maybe separated and inner sleeve housing frame 1040 b may be comprised by asubassembly 1004. Inner sleeve housing cover 1040 a may comprise pinsocket wall 1040 c. Inner sleeve housing frame 1040 b may comprise a pinwall 1040 d. Subassembly 1004 may comprise inner sleeve housing frame1040 b, wherein pin sockets 1064, 1066 and 1068 are visible, and pins1054, 1056 and 1058 extend through holes in pin wall 1040 d.

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of subassembly 1004 wherein a groundconductor 1074, a neutral conductor 1076 and a hot conductor 1078 may beremoved from inner sleeve housing frame 1040 b. Inner sleeve housingframe 1040 b may comprise a conductor separator 1092 which may separatean installed hot conductor 1078 from an installed ground conductor 1072,and a conductor separator 1094 which may separate and installed groundconductor 1074 from an installed neutral conductor 1076. Conductorseparators 1092 and 1094 may have wall sections with sloping wallheights 1092 a and 1094 a, and pin wall 1040 d may have a notch 1096,wherein sloping wall heights of sections 1092 a and 1094 a and notch1096 may permit an inward travel of lock tab 1044 when lock release 1046is depressed in an inward direction. Conductors 1074, 1076 and 1078 maycomprise on one end pins 1054, 1056 and 1058, respectively, and on theother end, pin sockets 1064, 1066 and 1068, respectively. Pins 1054,1056 and 1058 may comprise a flange 1054 a, 1056 a and 1058 a. Pin wall1040 d may comprise a ground pin hole 1084, a neutral pin hole 1086 anda hot pin hole 1088, wherein pin holes 1084, 1086 and 1088 may comprisea geometry sufficient to accept an insertion of pins 1054, 1056 and 1058to pass through but not accept pin flanges 1054 a, 1056 a and 1058 a topass through. Pin sockets 1064, 1066 and 1068 of a first interconnectmodule 1000 may be configured to receive pins 1054, 1056 and 1058 of asecond interconnect module, and may comprise slits 1064 a, 1066 a and1068 a, wherein slits 1064 a, 1066 a and 1068 a may allow a resilientspreading of pin socket openings and walls to allow entry of pins 1054,1056 and 1058, and maintain a resilient compression force between wallsof pin sockets 1064, 1066 and 1068 directed inward against pin walls ofreceived pins therein.

A straight interconnect module of the example implementation of FIG. 7A,FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D may be assembled as follows: pins 1054,1056 and 1058 of conductors 1074, 1076 and 1078 may be inserted throughholes 1084, 1086 and 1088 of pin wall 1040 d until flanges 1054 a, 1056a and 1058 a prevent further insertion as conductors 1074, 1076 and 1078are placed in inner sleeve housing frame 1040 b, adjacent to andseparated by, separators 1092 and 1094, thereby forming subassembly1004; inner sleeve housing cover 1040 a may be assembled to inner sleevehousing frame 1040 of subassembly 1004, thereby forming inner assembly1002 and securing conductors 1074, 1076 and 1088 therein, within pinwall 1040 d, pin socket wall 1040 c, inner sleeve housing cover 1040 aand inner sleeve housing frame 1040 b, wherein pins 1054, 1056 and 1058protrude externally though pin wall 1040 d and pin sockets 1064, 1066and 1068 abut an underside of pin socket wall 1040 c and may beaccessible by a pin inserted through a hole in pin socket wall 1040 c;and outer sleeve 1030 may be slid over inner assembly 1002 until lockrelease 1046 may be located within notch 1036 of outer sleeve 1030,thereby forming straight interconnect module 1000.

Locking and keying features disclosed above, such as lock catch 1034,lock tab 1044, lock release 1046, key 1032, key tab 1042, and the like,may be provided on interconnect socket 818 a of modular input unit 900and interconnect plug 816 b of output units 700 and 700 a, as well asinterconnect plugs and interconnect sockets of straight interconnects862 a, 862 b, 862 c and 864, and angled interconnects 872 and 872depicted in whole or in part, or inferable in FIGS. 4A, B and C, 5A, Band C and 6A, B, C and E.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example implementation of an angledinterconnect module 1200. Angled interconnect module 1200 may comprisean interconnect socket 1210, an interconnect plug 1220, a key 1232, alock catch 1234, a key tab 1242, a lock tab 1244, a lock release 1246, aground pin 1254, a neutral pin 1256 and a hot pin 1258.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of interconnect module 1200, wherein anouter housing 1230 a and a back plate 1230 b may not be assembled to aninner assembly 1202. Inner assembly 1202 may comprise inner sleevehousing 1240, pins 1254, 1256 and 1258 and a ground pin socket 1264, aneutral pin socket 1266 and a hot pin socket 1268, wherein pin sockets1264, 1266 and 1268 are within housing 1240, are not visible behind apin socket wall 1240 c, but are accessible by pins inserted throughholes in pin socket wall 1240 c. Inner sleeve housing 1240 may comprisekey tab 1242, lock tab 1244, lock release 1246 and slit 1250 and slit1252. Slits 1250 and 1252 may permit a travel inward of lock tab 1244when lock release 1246 is pressed inward. A thinning of the wall ofhousing 1240 above lock release 1246 and between slits 1250 and 1252 mayfacilitate an easier actuation of a lock release action. Twointerconnected interconnect modules, wherein an interconnect plug 1220of a first module 1200 is plugged into an interconnect socket 1210 of asecond module 1200, may comprise a lock tab 1244 of the first module1200 engaged with a lock catch 1234 of the second module 1200, therebysecuring the first module 1200 together with the second module 1200.Pressing a lock release 1246 of the first module 1200 may cause lock tab1244 to travel inward and disengage from lock catch 1234 of the secondmodule 1200 and permit a separation of the first module 1200 and thesecond module 1200. Outer housing 1230 a may comprise key 1232, lockcatch 1234 and a notch 1236, wherein notch 1236 may be situated aroundportions of lock release 1246 when outer housing 1230 a is assembledwith inner assembly 1202 as depicted in FIG. 8A. Two interconnectedinterconnect modules, wherein an interconnect plug 1220 of a firstmodule 1200 is plugged into an interconnect socket 1210 of a secondmodule 1200, may comprise a key tab 1242 of the first module 1200engaged with a key 1232 of the second module 1200, wherein aninterconnection of the first module in a rotated orientation of 180degrees is prevented by a misalignment of key tab 1242 of the firstmodule 1200 and the key 1232 of the second module 1200.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of inner assembly 1202, wherein: an innersleeve housing cover 1240 a and an inner sleeve housing frame 1240 b maybe separated and inner sleeve housing frame 1240 b may be comprised by asubassembly 1204. Inner sleeve housing cover 1240 a may comprise pinsocket wall 1240 c. Inner sleeve housing frame 1240 b may comprise a pinwall 1240 d. Subassembly 1204 may comprise inner sleeve housing frame1240 b, wherein pin sockets 1264, 1266 and 1268 are visible, and pins1254, 1256 and 1258 extend through holes in pin wall 1240 d.

FIG. 8D depicts a perspective view of subassembly 1204 a wherein aground conductor 1274, a neutral conductor 1276 and a hot conductor 1278may be removed from inner sleeve housing frame 1240 b. Inner sleevehousing frame 1240 b may comprise a conductor separator 1292 which mayseparate an installed hot conductor 1278 from an installed groundconductor 1272, and a conductor separator 1294 which may separate andinstalled ground conductor 1274 for an installed neutral conductor 1276.Conductor separators 1292 and 1294 may have wall sections with slopingwall heights 1292 a and 1294 a, and pin wall 1240 d may have a notch1296, wherein sections with sloping wall heights 1292 a and 1294 a andnotch 1296 may permit an inward travel of lock tab 1244 when lockrelease 1246 is depressed in an inward direction. Conductors 1274, 1276and 1278 may comprise on one end pins 1254, 1256 and 1258, respectively,and on the other end, pin sockets 1264, 1266 and 1268, respectively.Pins 1254, 1256 and 1258 may comprise a flange 1254 a, 1256 a and 1258a. Pin wall 1240 d may comprise a ground pin hole 1284, a neutral pinhole 1286 and a hot pin hole 1288, wherein pin holes 1254 a, 1256 a and1258 a may comprise a geometry sufficient to accept an insertion of pins1254, 1256 and 1258 to pass through, but not allow pin flanges 1254 a,1256 a and 1258 a to pass through. Pin sockets 1264, 1266 and 1268 of afirst module 1200 may be configured to receive pins 1254, 1256 and 1258of a second module 1200, and may comprise slits 1264 a, 1266 a and 1268a, wherein slits 1264 a, 1266 a and 1268 a may allow a resilientspreading of pin socket openings and walls to allow entry of pins 1254,1256 and 1258, and maintain a resilient compression force between wallsof pin sockets 1264, 1266 and 1268 directed inward against pin walls ofreceived pins therein.

FIG. 8E is an exploded view of the example implementation of the angledinterconnect module 1200 of FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. An angled interconnectmodule of the example implementation of FIG. 8E may be assembled asfollows: pins 1254, 1256 and 1258 of conductors 1274, 1276 and 1278 maybe inserted through holes 1284, 1286 and 1288 of pin wall 1240 d untilflanges 1254 a, 1256 a and 1258 a prevent further insertion asconductors 1274, 1276 and 1278 are placed in inner sleeve housing frame1240 b, adjacent to and separated by, separators 1292 and 1294, therebyforming subassembly 1204; inner sleeve housing cover 1240 a may beassembled to inner sleeve housing frame 1240 of subassembly 1204,thereby forming inner assembly 1202 and securing conductors 1274, 1276and 1288 therein, within pin wall 1240 d, pin socket wall 1240 c, innersleeve housing cover 1240 a and inner sleeve housing frame 1240 b,wherein pins 1254, 1256 and 1258 protrude externally though pin wall1240 d and pin sockets 1264, 1266 and 1268 abut an underside of pinsocket wall 1240 c and may be accessible by a pin inserted through ahole in pin socket wall 1240 c; and inner assembly 1202 may be assembledon top of back plate 1230 b, and outer housing 1230 a may be assembledover inner assembly 1202, thereby forming angled interconnect module1200.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an implementation of an interconnectmodule 1400 which may comprise a flexible cable 1480 which electricallyand mechanically interconnects an interconnect socket 1410 and aninterconnect plug 1420, such that interconnect module 1400 can serve asa straight interconnect module when oriented with cable 1480 in astraight orientation and can serve as an angled interconnect module whencable 1480 is oriented in a curved orientation. Interconnect module 1400may be manufactured using female and male crimp terminals applied towire conductors of cable 1480 and housed in interconnect socket 1410 andinterconnect plug 1420, respectively. Crimp terminals may be similar tocrimp terminals, such as those marketed by Molex Incorporated, forexample, those marketed as part of their VersaBlade Connector Systemwhich may support power transmission up to 300 Volts and 15.0 Amps, suchas for example, female crimp terminal, part number, 0357480210, and malecrimp terminal, part number, 0357450210, wherein part numbers 0357480210and 0357450210 may accept and crimp to a 14 AWG wire conductor. Cable1480 may comprise a ground conductor, a neutral conductor and a hotconductor, and may be manufactured to meet a safety standard, such as anUnderwriters Laboratories (UL) standard, and be of a service gradeclassification, such as an SJT classification, and may be a flameretardant rated construction, such as an FT2 rated construction. Cable1480 may comprise a durable outer jacket, such as a polyvinyl chloridejacket, which encases ground a conductor, a neutral conductor and a hotconductor, wherein each conductor may be additionally individuallyjacketed with an electrically insulating jacket, such as a polyvinylchloride jacket. The conductors may comprise a stranded copper wire andmay be a suitable gauge for relocating an outlet tap on a typical 15 ampor 20 amp branch circuit, such as a 14 AWG.

Interconnect socket 1410 may comprise an outer housing 1430, a key 1432,a lock catch 1434 and a clip retention groove 1438. Interconnect plug1420 may comprise an outer housing 1470, an inner housing 1440, a keytab 1442, a lock tab 1444, a lock release 1446, a clip retention groove1478, a ground pin 1454, a neutral pin 1456 and a hot pin 1458, whereinpins may also refer to “male crimp terminals”.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of interconnect module 1000 wherein socketouter housing 1430 and plug outer housing 1470 may be removed fromrespective inner housings of interconnect socket 1410, namely, an innerhousing 1460, and interconnect plug 1420, namely, inner housing 1440.Inner housing 1460 may comprise a pin socket wall 1462, wherein a groundpin socket 1464, a neutral pin socket 1466 and a hot pin socket1468—which are not visible—may abut an underside of pin socket wall 1462and may be accessible by a pin inserted through a hole in pin socketwall 1462. Pin sockets 1464, 1466 and 1468 may also refer to “femalecrimp terminals.” Inner housing 1440 may comprise, lock tab 1444, lockrelease 1446, a slit 1450 and a slit 1452. Slits 1450 and 1452 maypermit a travel inward of lock tab 1444 when lock release 1446 ispressed inward. A thinning of the wall of housing 1440 above lockrelease 1446 and between slits 1450 and 1452 may facilitate an easieractuation of a lock release action. Pins 1454, 1456 and 1458 protrudedownward through a pin wall (not visible) of inner housing 1440. Cable1480 may comprise a retention ring 1482 which may be secured to cable1480, such as by crimping, and be situated such that when outer housing1470 is assembled to inner housing 1440, retention ring 1482 is retainedwithin outer housing which may comprise a cable hole 1472 which may beof sufficient geometry to allow cable 1482 to move through cable hole1472 but not retention ring 1482, thereby strain relieving crimpconnections between conductors comprised by cable 1480 and male crimpterminals (namely, pins 1454, 1456 and 1458) comprised by inner housing1440. A similar arrangement of a retention ring secured to cable 1480and situated within inner housing 1460, and a cable hole in outerhousing 1430 may strain relieve crimp connections between conductorscomprised by cable 1480 and female crimp terminals (namely, pin sockets1464, 1466 and 1468) comprised by inner housing 1460.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a mounting plate 1490 configured toreceive an interconnect socket 1410 of a first interconnection module1400 mated with an interconnect plug 1420 of a second interconnectionmodule. Mounting plate 1490 comprises attachment holes 1492 and may bemounted to a surface, such as surface 110 (FIGS. 1A, B, and C and FIGS.4A, B and C), via one or more attachment holes, such as attachment holes1492, using fasteners suitable for the underlying construction ofsurface 110, such as by using drywall anchors, toggle bolts, butterflybolts, molly anchors, woodscrews, concrete anchors, and the like.Alternatively or additionally, and depending on a suitable surface,two-sided adhesive strips, such as a 3M Command™ Strips marketed by 3MCorporation, may be placed between mounting plate 1490 and surface 110to secure or further secure mounting plate 1490 to surface 110. Mountingplate 1490 comprises retention clips 1494 which engage with clipretention grooves 1438 and 1478 of interconnect socket 1410 andinterconnect plug 1420, respectively. Note that FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B andFIG. 4C illustrate example implementations of mounting plates 172 a, 172b and 174, wherein each mounting plate 172 a, 172 b and 174 may compriseretention clips which may retain interconnect modules 862 a, 862 b, 862c, 864, 873 and 874 by retention grooves which may be comprised thereby.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of two interconnected flexibleinterconnect modules 1400 a and 1400 b comprising a modularinterconnection of an interconnect plug 1420 b of a module 1400 bplugged into an interconnect socket 1410 a of module 1400 a. A lock tab1444 b of module 1400 b may engage with a lock catch 1434 a of module1400 a, thereby securing module 1400 a together with module 1400 b, andelectrically interconnecting a ground pin 1454 a to a pin socket 1464 b,a neutral pin 1546 a to a pin socket 1466 b, and a hot pin 1458 a to ahot pin socket 1468 b. Pressing a lock release 1446 b of module 1400 bmay cause lock tab 1444 b of module 1400 b to travel inward anddisengage from lock catch 1434 a of module 1400 a and permit aseparation of module 1400 a and module 1400 b. Not visible in FIG. 9D isthe keying feature disclosed in prior implementations of interconnectmodules, but can be seen in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. Outer housing ofinterconnect socket 1410 a may comprise key and outer housing ofinterconnect plug 1420 b may comprise a key tab engaged with the key ofinterconnect socket 1410 a, wherein an interconnection of interconnectsocket 1410 a and interconnect plug 1420 b in a rotated orientation of180 degrees is prevented by a misalignment of key tab of interconnectplug 1420 b and key of interconnect socket 1410 a. Mated interconnectsocket 1410 a and interconnect plug 1420 b may be secured to mountingplate 1490, wherein retention clip 1494 may engage with clip retentiongrooves 1438 a and 1478 b of interconnect socket 1410 a and interconnectplug 1420 b, respectively.

As noted earlier, in some implementations, interconnect modules may beprovided in various types, such as: various lengths; various colors;various constructions, including flexible construction and rigidconstruction; and the like. For example, lengths may vary from inches tomany feet, such as for example 6 inches to 6 feet or 10 feet or more.Conductors within interconnect modules may be flexible,jacketed/insulated stranded copper conductors and may terminate interminals, such as soldered or crimped terminals (the latter asdescribed in conjunction with module 1400), or may be solid conductorsterminated in pins and pin sockets (as described in conjunction withmodules 1000 and 1200). Components which may restrict access toelectrical power, such as to restrict unintentional contact with anelectrified component, and/or components which provide mechanicalstrength or support may be constructed of an electrically insulating,durable and rigid material, such as for example, an electricallyinsulating plastic resin, and may be manufactured, for example, using athermoforming process such as an injection molding process, and may bemanufactured of an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recognized flameretardant material, such as a UL 94V-0 (burning stops within 10 secondson a vertical specimen; drips of particles allowed as long as they arenot inflamed) rated material. Other components which are configured toconduct electrical power, may be constructed of metals, such as astranded copper, where a flexibility may be desirable, such as inconductors comprised by flexible cables or raceways, or brass which is aharder metal than copper, and may be desirable for components where lowwear and durability are required, such as pins, sockets, prongs and thelike, and may be configured to provide a low impedance electrical pathand have a capacity to conduct 15 amperes of electrical current whenconnected to an existing outlet of a branch circuit.

In some implementations and as depicted in a variety of implementationsherein, interconnect modules of a modular interconnect may comprise aninterconnect socket and an interconnect plug, an input unit may comprisean interconnect socket, and an output unit may comprise an interconnectplug, wherein each interconnect plug may be connected to an interconnectsocket and thereby complete an electrical circuit between an electricalplug of an input unit and an electrical receptacle of an output unit. Insome implementations, an electrical apparatus may comprise interconnectplugs comprising pins and interconnect sockets comprising pin socketshoused within electrically insulating material and accessible only byobjects comprising small geometries, such as geometries identifiable as“pin shaped”, wherein the interconnect sockets comprise a shroud forreceiving an interconnect plug, and pins of an interconnect plug may notbe concurrently electrically energized by contact with pin sockets of aninterconnect socket and be exposed outside of an interconnect plugcovered shroud of the interconnect socket, such that a safe managementof electrical power distribution may be maintained. For example andreferring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, an interconnect socket 1410 maycomprise a shroud formed by an outer housing 1430 having a recessedinner housing 1460 therein. An interconnect socket 1410 and aninterconnect plug 1420 may be configured such that an inner housing 1440of an interconnect plug of a first module 1400 is at least partiallypenetrating a shroud (or in other words, is at least partially enteringan outer housing 1430) of an interconnect socket 1410 of a second module1400, prior to a pin 1454, 1456 or 1458 making contact with a pin socket1464, 1466 or 1468, such that an electrified pin is not accessibleoutside of an enclosed interconnect socket.

A number of implementations of a user configurable electric powerdistribution apparatus, electrical apparatus and modular electricalapparatus have been described. Various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosed user configurableelectric power distribution apparatus.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularimplementations described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Moreover, the various disclosedimplementations can be interchangeably used with each other, unlessotherwise noted. Many modifications and variations can be made withoutdeparting from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuseswithin the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumeratedherein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoingdescriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fallwithin the scope of the appended claims. It is also to be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular implementations only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to implementations containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

A number of implementations of the user configurable electric powerdistribution apparatus have been described. Various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical apparatus comprising: an input unitcomprising an electrical plug, wherein the input unit is pluggable intoan electrical outlet and conceals the electrical outlet when pluggedtherein; an output unit comprising at least one electrical receptacle,wherein the output unit and the input unit are not conjoined and theoutput unit can be located on a surface when the input unit is pluggedinto the electrical outlet, and the output unit can be separated by adistance from the input unit; and an electrical interconnect attached toboth the input unit and the output unit, wherein: electrical powerreceived by the electrical plug can be available at the at least oneelectrical receptacle via an electrical circuit comprising at leastportions of the electrical plug, at least portions of the electricalinterconnect and at least portions of the at least one electricalreceptacle; the electrical interconnect is a modular electricalinterconnect and comprises at least one interconnect module and aplurality of modular interconnections, wherein the modularinterconnections can be disconnected and reconnected; and at least onemodular interconnection comprises a lock, wherein the lock locks aninterconnect plug to an interconnect socket.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the lock is releasable by actuating a lock release and theinterconnect plug can be disconnected from the interconnect socket whenthe lock release is actuated.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theat least one interconnect module comprises an interconnect socket and aninterconnect plug, the input unit comprises an interconnect socket, andthe output unit comprises an interconnect plug, wherein eachinterconnect plug may be connected to an interconnect socket and therebycomplete an electrical circuit between the electrical plug and the atleast one electrical receptacle.
 4. An electrical apparatus comprising:an input unit comprising an electrical plug, wherein the input unit ispluggable into an electrical outlet and conceals the electrical outletwhen plugged therein; an output unit comprising at least one electricalreceptacle, wherein the output unit and the input unit are not conjoinedand the output unit can be located on a surface when the input unit isplugged into an electrical outlet, and the output unit can be separatedby a distance from the input unit; an electrical interconnect attachedto both the input unit and the output unit, wherein: electrical powerreceived by the electrical plug can be available at the at least oneelectrical receptacle via an electrical circuit comprising at leastportions of the electrical plug, at least portions of the electricalinterconnect and at least portions of the at least one electricalreceptacle; the electrical interconnect is a modular interconnect andcomprises at least one interconnect module and a plurality of modularinterconnections, wherein the modular interconnections can bedisconnected and reconnected without the use of tools; the pluralitymodular interconnections comprise locks which lock an interconnect plugto an interconnect socket, wherein the locks are releasable by actuatinga lock release and the interconnect plug can be disconnected from theinterconnect socket when the lock release is actuated; and interconnectplugs comprise pins and interconnect sockets comprise shrouds having aninterior for receiving an interconnect plug and pins of an interconnectplug, wherein pins of an interconnect plug cannot be electricallyenergized unless the interconnect plug is obstructing access to theinterior of a shroud of an interconnect socket; and a ground faultcircuit interrupter (GFCI) which resides in the electrical circuit andis configured to interrupt availability of electrical power at the atleast one electrical receptacle upon a ground fault condition affectingan electrical current flowing into the electrical plug, wherein: aportion of the electrical circuit is between the electrical plug and theGCFI, and a portion of the electrical circuit is between the GFCI andthe at least one electrical receptacle, and includes the at leastportions of the at least one electrical receptacle; electrical poweravailable at the electrical plug is unavailable to the electricalcircuit between the GFCI and the at least one electrical receptacle, andthe at least portions of the at least one electrical receptacle, whenthe availability of electrical power is interrupted; the GFCI iscomprised by the input unit, and can interrupt the availability ofelectrical power to the at least portions of the electrical interconnectand the at least portions of the at least one electrical receptaclecomprised by the electrical circuit; and the input unit furthercomprises a GFCI test and a GFCI reset.